By Bradley Schlegel
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/27/15
Maggie Stetson scored six goals and Sondra Dickey had five goals and two assists to lead Conestoga to 16-8 win over Southern Lehigh in the opening round of the PIAA playoffs today at Nazareth.
The Pioneers (21-3) will face Great Valley – a 17-7 winner over Kennard-Dale – in a second-round game Saturday.
Bridget Cerciello scored six goals for the Spartans (20-1), the No. 1 seed from District 11.
“We knew this would be quite a challenge,” Southern Lehigh head coach Jen Shields said. “The girls played very hard and with a lot of heart. We tried to control the pace of play, which requires possession. But we struggled to get the ball.”
Monica Borzillo finished with three goals and four assists for Conestoga, which snapped a two-game losing streak. Liz Scott scored twice, and Laney Stenson made six saves.
“We’re thrilled to be moving on,” Pioneers head coach Amy Orcutt said. “But still, I think we are not playing to the best of our ability.”
According to Stetson, the team is searching for the continuity that allowed it to reel off 20 straight victories before losing to Great Valley in the semifinal round of the District 1 playoffs.
“That loss got in our heads,” she said. “We felt it on the field. Something has been missing since then. Before that loss, we were hustling after every loose ball. It seemed like we got every pop up and every 50/50 ball.”
According to Orcutt, Conestoga “came alive” during a 10-minute stretch early in the second half following a goal by Cerciello to get Southern Lehigh within 7-4.
The Pioneers responded by reeling off seven consecutive goals to take a commanding 14-4 lead.
“I expect a lot from the girls,” Orcutt said. “And they expect it from themselves. All things considered, I do not believe this team has played its best game yet. Hopefully we can continue towards that, and make a good run in this tournament.”
Conestoga 16, Southern Lehigh 8
Conestoga 7 9 — 16
Southern Lehigh 3 5 — 8
Conestoga
Maggie Stetson 6 goals
Sondra Dickey 5 goals 2 assists
Monica Borzillo 3 goals 5 assists
Liz Scott 2 goals 4 draw
Jules HOrning 3 saves
Laney Stenson 6 saves
Southern Lehigh
Lauren Wolfe 1g
Elizabeth Lievendag 1g
Bridget Cerciello 6g
Elizabeth Dex 6 saves
